DAKOTA SKIPPER, (Hesperia dacotae)
An early summer declining species found in areas that used to be the shores of ancient glacial lakes. One of the species of butterflies surveyed by scientists to determine the quality of habitat. Currently listed by The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as Vulnerable. Purposed several times to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. This species has one brood. My friend and colleague Professor Ron Royer of Minot State University has surveyed this species in North Dakota for 20 years. Its habitat range is rapidly decreasing and Professor Royer has told me he would be surprised if the Dakota Skipper is still around in 50 years.
